Compact and Speedy: Mitsubishi Electric Rolls Out New SCARA Robots

Mitsubishi Electric has added two new models to its RH-CRH series of SCARA robots. This series is designed to offer simplified maintenance and ease of integration with an expanded range of modern sensors. Additionally, the RH-CRH robots are smaller and lighter than previous Mitsubishi Electric SCARA models and feature more versatile installation options. Whether retrofitting and modernizing an existing production line, expanding capacity with a new line, or addressing labor shortages, these robots are designed to meet modern manufacturing needs.

Comparison of the RH-12FRH to the new RH-10CRH (left) and the RH-20FRH to the new RH-20CRH. Image used courtesy of Mitsubishi Electric

RH-CRH SCARA Robots

One of the key advantages of the RH-CRH series SCARA robots is that they are lighter and smaller than previous Mitsubishi Electric SCARA models. The RH-CRH robots require less headspace to operate, as they are up to 52% shorter, depending on the specific model.

Capability is not sacrificed in the name of a smaller, lighter footprint. The RH-10CRH is capable of lifting up to 10 kg and can reach out to 800 mm; the RH-20CRH can lift up to 20 kg and reach out to 1000 mm.

Sensor Variety

The RH-CRH line of robots can be integrated with an assortment of sensors. Rather than simply integrating with pressure gauges, light curtains, and other standard sensors, they can integrate with 2D and 3D cameras. By doing so, they can be programmed to make decisions based on machine vision algorithms. For picking, packing, sorting, counting, and other such industrial tasks, the ability to leverage machine vision cannot be understated.

Mitsubishi Electric’s RH-10CRH8030-D (left) and the RH-20CRH10042-D SCARA robots. Image used courtesy of Mitsubishi Electric

Additionally, the robots are compatible with CC-Link IE Field Basic, an industrial gigabit Ethernet platform, for communication between sensors. This platform also integrates with other Mitsubishi Electric products and provides secure communication paths between devices.

Simplified Maintenance

The RH-CRH series is built for high-speed operation. As such, these robots must minimize downtime, as even a few minutes of downtime drastically reduces throughput. Mitsubishi Electric’s approaches to increasing uptime include batteryless motors, which means consistent power can be applied at any time with no battery changes required. Battery changes are not just a nuisance; they can cause machines to forget the origin point of their coordinate system. The robot may need to be reprogrammed to correct this error.

Cabling, airlines, and piping are concealed in the robotic arms. This prevents accidental damage that often occurs when a line is exposed to harsh conditions in the manufacturing environment. There is little chance a sharp edge on a sheet metal part will cut an airline, or that cable insulation will fret from repeated motions against external objects.

Artist’s conception of a RH-CRH robot in a picking and packing operation cell. Image used courtesy of Mitsubishi Electric

Application Versatility

A compact size and high throughput make the RH-CRH line ideal for quickly moving small components. Labeling, pick and pack operations, component tracking and counting, and numerous other high-speed operations are possible with these robots. Because these applications are used in virtually all manufacturing industries, the RH-CRH line is designed to be deployed in many market sectors in these capacities.